Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Children’s Festival

SOLA volunteer Mike Ippolito greets the young guests and their families at the entrance of the Schlesinger Hall

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

Many children came dressed as pirates for the costume competition. Winners were announced and presented onstage after the performance of Klaus Badelt’s "The Curse of the Black Pearl."

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

As the temperatures outside climbed high into the 90’s, guests flocked inside for a hand bell concert, line dancing and the instrument zoo.

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

Violins, triangles, drums, trombones, French horns were just some of the instruments being heard in the atrium of the Center.

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

Violins, triangles, drums, trombones, French horns were just some of the instruments being heard in the atrium of the Center.

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

Violins, triangles, drums, trombones, French horns were just some of the instruments being heard in the atrium of the Center.

Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette

A 3 p.m. Maestro Kim Allen Kluge took the stage as Jack Sparrow for the opening selection from Pirates of the Caribbean. Artwork created by students in the Alexandria Public Schools was projected on the screen behind the orchestra during the concert.